MEMORY VERSE: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ Revelation 14:12.
STUDY HELP: Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 62-69.
LESSON AIM: To study the final triumph of Jesus through His saints.
‘“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Galatians 5:22, 23. This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life. “When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 68-69.
1. What does Christ desire to see in His church? Ephesians 5:25-27.
NOTE: ‘Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying: I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. And to the accuser of His people He declares: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” Zechariah 3:2. Christ will clothe His faithful ones with His own righteousness, that He may present them to His Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written: “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.’ Great Controversy, page 484.
2. What part do we have to play in being part of a church without spot or wrinkle? 1 John 3:3.
NOTE: ‘The Bible contains instruction regarding the character God’s children must possess. “Blessed are the pure in heart,” it declares, “for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2, 3.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, page 429.